Former India wicket-keeper Saba Karim at a quiz contest in Ranchi. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, Aug. 9: Former India wicket-keeper Saba Karim believes that Ranchi boy M.S. Dhoni has the talent to make it to the national team though he has been left out of the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.

Karim, who is in the state capital to conduct a quiz, spoke at length on the exclusion of Dhoni from the Indian team. The former keeper told The Telegraph that Dhoni had performed impressively both in the Ranji Trophy and as part of the India A team.

“I have seen Dhoni in action. He has exceptional striking abilities against the pacers who bowl in the initial overs. He can devastate the initial attack and help register a good score in the first 15 overs. Besides, he is a very good wicket-keeper and that always helps a side. He can be a very useful player in the one-day games. I will not believe that poor representation of the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) has caused his exclusion,” Karim said.

“Sourav Ganguly believes in playing with a seven-four format — seven batsmen and four bowlers. In this situation, the seventh player becomes very important. Right now, Dravid is fulfilling the criteria as he is an exceptional batsman and he keeps wickets. The same applies to M.S. Dhoni as well. He has seven to eight years of international cricket left in him and if he keeps up a consistent performance, then I see no reason why he will not be selected,” he added.

Speaking on the BCA’s internal affairs, Karim said: “As far as I know, all the problems concerning the BCA would be sorted out by September. Both Jharkhand and Bihar would get recognition from the BCCI. But I will not say that the internal disturbances haven’t impeded the rise of players from these states.”

“There has been a poor representation of the BCA at the national level. The internal problems could have affected the development of infrastructure. The funds allotted by the national body may not have reached their destination. The players too could have faced motivational problems. But a player should not depend on the board’s backing. Instead, his willow and performance should be his strengths,” the former keeper maintained.

Speaking on the prospects of cricketers from Jharkhand, Karim stressed that there is a need to locate and groom the talented players of the state.

“It is not that Jharkhand doesn’t have good players. Bihar and Jharkhand players have been performing very well in the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments. The talent needs to be channelised properly,” he said.

“I was happy to see the BCA organising summer conditioning camps for the state players. Earlier, more than 300 players used to come to these camps, which made them crowded. That did not help the cause as the trainers could not attend to the problems of each and every player. But things have changed now. The camps are organised regularly and the training process has improved. Talented cricketers are coming from the districts as well. Besides, steps are also being taken to promote the junior players,” Karim signed off.